Capsule for beverage preparation with integrally formed sealing member

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a capsule (10) designed for preparing a beverage upon injection of liquid into the capsule by means of a beverage preparation machine (20), the capsule (10) having a longitudinal axis (y) and comprising a cup-shaped base body (1) being provided with a closed end (1a) and lateral sidewalls (1b) for holding beverage preparation ingredients and a flange-like rim (2) arranged at an open end (1c) of the base body (1) and radially ending with a curled outer edge (2c); in which—the capsule (10) is in a first state before being used in the beverage preparation machine, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member (3) for providing a fluid sealing engagement with a sealing profile of a capsule engagement member (21) of the beverage preparation machine (20), said sealing profile having at least one sealing surface (21a, 21b, 21c), wherein the base-body (1), the flange-like rim (2) and the sealing member (3) are made integrally from metallic material such as aluminum as a one piece element, and wherein the sealing member (3) comprises at least one dedicated surface (4) located at the junction between the sidewalls (1b) of the base body (1) and the flange-like rim (2), said dedicated surface (4) being in the form of at least one step extending over the flange-like rim (2), and in which—the capsule (10) is in a second state after being used in the beverage preparation machine. The capsule is characterized in that, in the second state, after engagement between the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member (21) and the at least one step of the dedicated surface (4), the at least one step is plastically deformed and the capsule (10) comprises, at the location of the at least one step (4), a flange-like rim (2) having a profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surface (21a, 21b, 21c), said profile presenting at least three contiguous surfaces (S1, S2, S3) having each a different orientation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a capsule designed for preparation of afood product such as a beverage with enhanced sealing means. Inparticular, the invention relates to a capsule having a body with anintegrally formed sealing member made from metallic material such asaluminum.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Capsules for preparation of a food product such as a beverage are widelyknown in the market. An example of such capsule that is intended forbeing used with a beverage preparation machine is described in EP 0 512468 A1. For beverage preparation in a dedicated beverage preparationmachine, the capsule is inserted into the machine and ingredientscontained in the capsule are made to interact with liquid provided tothe capsule in order to form a desired beverage that is then made toleave the capsule. Thereby, the capsule is opened under the effect ofrising pressure within the capsule, which urges an outlet face of themembrane against opening means such as raised elements provided on asupporting part of the beverage preparation machine. Sealing of thecapsule with the beverage preparation machine during the beveragepreparation process is obtained by an outer portion of a flange-like rimof the capsule which is contacted along a circumferential contact lineby a suitably shaped engagement member of the beverage preparationmachine.

In order to enhance sealing between the capsule and an engagement memberof the beverage preparation machine, capsules have been developed inwhich a dedicated sealing member is applied and wherein the sealingmember is of different material than the capsule body. EP 1 654 966 A1,EP 1 849 715 A1 and EP 2 151 313 A1 for example relate to such a capsulein which a sealing member of rubber elastic material is applied to thecapsule. The sealing member may be applied onto the capsule body bymeans of liquid depositing and hardening, gluing or by crimping aportion of the capsule body and/or the flange-like rim of the capsuleonto the sealing member.

A disadvantage of these capsules is a more complex manufacturing processin which the capsule and the sealing member are manufactured inindividual manufacturing steps and then assembled. The solution is morecostly to produce both in terms of material cost and production cost andhas also an environmental impact due to the use of two differentmaterials. Therefore, a solution is sought-after which enables afacilitated manufacturing process while at the same time providingenhanced sealing properties of the flange-like rim of the capsule.

Capsules are also known, which comprise an integrally formed sealingmember, i.e. a sealing member made from the same material as the capsulebody respectively the flange-like rim of the capsule. EP 1 654 966 A1,EP 2 303 077 B1, EP 2 387 922 B1 and EP 2 814 328 B1 for example relateto a capsule comprising a sealing member formed of a plurality ofconcentric annular protrusions integrally formed with the flange-likerim.

EP 1 654 966 A1 discloses, in its third embodiment, to have theresilient nature of the sealing member made by the geometrical shape ofthe capsule itself. It proposes to have the sealing member in the shapeof a step that increase the diameter of the side wall of the capsule.When the capsule is engaged with the inclined sealing surface of thebeverage preparation machine, a deflection of the sealing member occurson the capsule.

WO2014/012783 A1, WO2014/184652 A1, WO2016/186489 A1, WO2016/186495 A1and WO2016/186496 A1 also disclose capsules for beverage preparation andwhich comprise a flange-like rim portion with an integrally formedannular sealing member.

WO2016/186495 A1 relates to a plastic capsule comprising a flange-likerim with two spaced projections projecting axially from the flange-likerim and a plateau between the two projections. During extraction of thecapsules, a specific part of the beverage preparation machine isconfigured to interact with the projections and the plateau to providesealing engagement.

These known capsules however suffer the disadvantage that due themanufacturing tolerances in the dimensions of the capsules and in thoseof the enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine, the twoparts are not properly matching and engaging, thus reducing thetightness between capsule and engagement member with risk of leaks andbeverage dilution with water.

Furthermore, due to the circumferentially arranged projections of theflange-like rim, tensions may occur during forming of the projections inthe manufacturing process, which in turn lead to defects in the sealingmember and/or the flange-like rim and which negatively affect thesealing properties of the sealing member.

This particularly applies for metal capsules, e.g. made from aluminum oraluminum alloy. Thereby, defects such as stress cracking, wrinkling andother surface defects may occur during the deep drawing process ofaluminum when forming the capsule.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved capsule which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior artsolutions. This object is solved by the independent claims. Thedependent claims define further preferred embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a capsule designed for preparing a beverageupon injection of liquid into the capsule by means of a beveragepreparation machine.

The proposed capsule has a longitudinal axis and comprises a cup-shapedbase body being provided with a closed end and lateral sidewalls forholding beverage preparation ingredients, and a flange-like rim arrangedat an open end of the base body and radially ending with a curled outeredge.

The proposed capsule is in a first state before being used in thebeverage preparation machine wherein the capsule further comprises asealing member for providing a fluid sealing engagement with a sealingprofile of a capsule engagement member of the beverage preparationmachine, said sealing profile having at least one sealing surface,wherein the base-body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member aremade integrally from metallic material such as aluminum as a one pieceelement, and wherein the sealing member comprises at least one dedicatedsurface located at the junction between the sidewalls of the base bodyand the flange-like rim, said dedicated surface being in the form of atleast one step extending over the flange-like rim.

The proposed capsule presents a second state after being used in thebeverage preparation machine.

According to the invention, in the second state, after engagementbetween the the capsule engagement member and the at least one step ofthe dedicated surface of the sealing member, the at least one step isplastically deformed and the capsule comprises, at the location of theat least one step, a flange-like rim having a profile corresponding tothe shape of the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member, saidprofile presenting at least three contiguous surfaces (S1, S2, S3)having each a different orientation.

In the second state of the capsule, the newly created profile,comprising the three surfaces having each a different orientation,generates axial and radial forces around the engagement member producingan effective tightness between the flange-like rim and the sealingmember of the engagement member.

The contiguous surfaces created by the plastic deformation of the atleast one step, present the following orientation:

-   -   The first surface is substantially parallel to a surface of the        engagement member facing the sidewalls of the base body of the        capsule;    -   The second surface is substantially parallel to flange-like rim;        and    -   The third surface forms an angle β with the base body sidewall,        said angle being comprised between 1 and 50°.

The capsule according to the invention enables an efficient, reliableand tolerant sealing structure made from a single integral piece andthus by omitting any additional material such as rubber.

Additionally, the capsule may be formed in a facilitated manufacturingprocess at reduced costs, while at the same time providing an enhancedsealing member without any material defects such as cracks, wrinklingand surface defects that could affect the capsule quality and tightnessand as well the extraction process.

The flange-like rim is preferably an essentially planar collar thatextends from an open end of the cup-shaped base body essentiallyperpendicular to outer lateral sidewalls of the base body and/or to arotational axis of the capsule.

The dedicated surface is arranged at the junction between the cup-shapedbase body and the flange-like rim and extends over a length D that islarger than the sealing profile of the engagement member.

Particularly, the dedicated surface extends over a length D comprisedbetween 0.5 and 4 mm.

The dedicated surface of the sealing member, comprising at least onestep, is preferably integrally formed in the otherwise essentiallyplanar flange-like rim. The step formed in the flange-like rimpreferably comprises a material thickness essentially corresponding tothe rest of the flange-like rim.

The step(s) in the flange-like rim are preferably made by a deep-drawingprocess. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule body, the flange-likerim and the sealing member are manufactured in a single deep-drawingprocess. The capsule may e.g. be produced by deep-drawing an initiallyflat metal sheet.

The capsule is preferably made from a single sheet of metal such asaluminum.

The sealing member is considered as part of the flange-like rim andforms a continuous surface with it. The surface is directed towards thecup-shaped base body of the capsule. On a surface of the flange-like rimopposite thereto, a closing membrane may be connected to the capsulebase body.

The dedicated surface is designed for receiving and engaging apreferably annular sealing profile of a capsule engagement member of thebeverage preparation machine. The sealing profile of the capsuleengagement member comprising at least one sealing surface. Theengagement member is preferably an essentially bell-shaped engagementmember respectively a so-called capsule cage designed to house thecup-shaped base body of the capsule. The sealing profile of theengagement member may be a flat or rounded end surface of the engagementmember.

In a preferred mode, the sealing profile of the engagement member isarranged for engaging the at least one step of the sealing member. Theengagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member is designedsuch that it deforms the dedicated surface of the sealing member whenengaging with it. The engagement of the sealing profile of theengagement member may be such that it provides at least substantiallyradially and axially oriented sealing forces with the sealing member.

In a first embodiment, the dedicated surface comprises one step, saidone step is substantially parallel to the flange-like rim. It comprisesa length d between 0.5 and 3 mm and a height H between 1 and 3 mm.

In a second embodiment, the dedicated surface comprises two steps: afirst step adjacent the remaining flange-like rim portion and parallelto the flange-like rim and a second step located between the first stepand the sidewalls. The second step forms an angle α with thelongitudinal axis of the capsule and has a height h comprised between0.2 and 2 mm.

The capsule preferably further comprises a closing membrane connected tothe base body and/or the flange-like rim of the capsule. The closingmembrane is preferably connected to a surface of the flange-like rimopposite to the surface at which dedicated surface of the sealing memberis arranged. The closing membrane may be connected to the flange-likerim by means of an adhesive and/or welding technique. The closingmembrane is preferably a closed membrane, i.e. void of any perforations.The closing membrane may however as well comprise pre-formedperforations therein. The closing membrane is preferably an aluminumfoil. The foil is preferably sealed to the flange-like rim such as toform a seal hermetical to gas with the capsule base body for preservingfreshness of the ingredients contained in the cartridge.

The thickness of the closing membrane preferably lies between 60 and 100microns (including the embossed structure and lacquer(s) on surface).

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising acapsule as described above and a beverage preparation machine designedto provide heated and/or pressurized liquid into the capsule forpreparing a beverage upon interaction of the liquid with ingredientsheld within the capsule.

The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a pump, heatingand/or cooling means, a liquid supply such as a water tank and/or abeverage brewing chamber for selectively receiving a capsule in order toprepare a beverage therefrom.

The beverage preparation machine preferably comprises a capsuleengagement member, e.g. as part of the brewing chamber, which isdesigned to house a capsule and in particular the capsule base body whenthe capsule is provided into the machine. The engagement membercomprises an annular sealing profile designed to interact with thesealing member of the capsule in order to enable an effective sealing ofthe capsule during the beverage preparation process. As mentionedearlier, the sealing profile of the engagement member may be arrangedfor engaging the dedicated surface comprising at least one step. Theengagement of the sealing profile of the engagement member may be suchthat it deforms the dedicated surface. The engagement of the sealingprofile of the engagement member may be such that it provides at leastsubstantially radially and axially oriented sealing forces with thededicated surface

The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprisesperforation means such as injection blades or the like, which aredesigned to perforate an inlet face of the capsule, in particularsituated at a closed end of the capsule base body, and to inject liquidinto the capsule interior.

The beverage preparation machine preferably further comprises a capsulesupport designed to hold the flange-like rim of the capsule at a sideopposite to a side at which the engagement member of the machine engagesthe sealing member of the capsule. The capsule support preferablycomprises opening means such as e.g. truncated pyramid-like elementsagainst which a closing membrane of the capsule may be urged duringpressure rise within the capsule such as to open the closing member e.g.by of tearing or rupturing.

The capsule according to the present invention is preferably rotationalsymmetric, i.e. symmetric along its vertical axis.

The beverage preparation ingredients provided in the capsule arepreferably chosen from the group consisting of roasted ground coffee,tea, instant coffee, a mixture of roasted ground coffee and instantcoffee, a syrup concentrate, a fruit extract concentrate, a chocolateproduct, a milk-based product or any other dehydrated edible substance,such as dehydrated stock. The liquid to be used for beverage preparationis preferably water of any temperature.

The invention further relates to a cup-shaped base body of a capsule forpreparation of a food product with an enhanced integrally formed sealingmember.

According to the invention, it is proposed a cup-shaped base body of acapsule for holding beverage preparation ingredients and a flange-likerim and a sealing member comprising a dedicated surface with at leastone step at the junction between the cup-shaped base body and theflange-like rim and extending over the flange-like rim, the at least onestep being conformed for engaging with at least one sealing surface of acapsule engagement member of the beverage preparation machine, whereinthe base-body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member are madeintegrally from metallic material such as aluminum.

The proposed flange-like rim is in a first state before being used in abeverage preparation machine; and is in a second state after being usedin the beverage preparation machine.

In the second state of the flange-like rim, at the location of the atleast one step, the flange-like rim is plastically deformed and presentsa profile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealingsurface, said profile comprising at least three contiguous surfaces (S1,S2, S3) having each a different orientation and generating axial andradial forces around the engagement member producing an effectivetightness between the flange-like rim and the sealing member of theengagement member.

The solution as proposed, allows producing an effective tightnessbetween the flange-like rim and the sealing member of the engagementmember thereby improving the current state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention willbecome apparent for a skilled person when reading the following detaileddescription of embodiments of the present invention, when taken inconjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

These drawings depict only some embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings. Hence, it will beappreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limitedin any way by these examples.

FIG. 1a is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a capsuleaccording to the invention;

FIG. 1b is a top view of the capsule according to FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c is cross sectional side view of the capsule according to FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2 is sectional side view of the capsule of FIG. 1a integrating thefirst embodiment of the sealing member according to the invention and anengagement member of a beverage preparation machine before engaging witheach other;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged sectional side view of a first embodimentof the sealing member according to the invention and an engagementmember of a beverage preparation machine before engaging with eachother;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged sectional side view of a first embodimentof the sealing member according to the invention and an engagementmember of a beverage preparation machine engaged with each other;

FIG. 5a is a perspective side view of a second embodiment of a capsuleaccording to the invention;

FIG. 5b is a top view of the capsule according to FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5c is cross sectional side view of the capsule according to FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is sectional side view of the capsule of FIG. 5a according to thesecond embodiment of the invention and an engagement member of abeverage preparation machine before engaging with each other;

FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged sectional side view of the secondembodiment of the sealing member according to the invention and anengagement member of a beverage preparation machine before engaging witheach other; and

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged sectional side view of the secondembodiment of the sealing member according to the invention and anengagement member of a beverage preparation machine engaged with eachother.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof.

In the drawings, similar symbols and references typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise.

The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description anddrawings are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may beutilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from thescope of the claimed subject matter presented here. It will be readilyunderstood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generallydescribed herein, and illustrated in the figures, may be arranged,substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make partof this disclosure.

As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, andsimilar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustivesense. In other words, they are intended to mean including, but notlimited to.

Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to beconsidered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or formspart of the common general knowledge in the field.

FIG. 1a to FIG. 4 relate to a first embodiment of a capsule 10 accordingto the invention.

As presented in the figures where FIG. 1a presents a perspective sideview of a first embodiment of a capsule, FIG. 1b a top view of saidcapsule, FIG. 1c a cross sectional side view of said capsule and FIG. 2a sectional side view of said capsule, the capsule 10 comprises acup-shaped base body 1. The base body 1 comprises a closed end 1 a(whole area of the top portion of the capsule and not only the centralone), lateral sidewalls 1 b and an open end 1 c. The closed end 1 a mayserve as an injection face during a beverage preparation process, whichmay be opened by a dedicated injection member of a beverage preparationmachine 20.

During the extraction process, an engagement member 21 of the dedicatedbeverage preparation machine 20, as presented in FIG. 3, is engaged withthe capsule 10. The engagement member 21 preferably comprises anessentially hollow bell-shaped engagement member for receiving thecapsule base body 1 therein. When the capsule 10 is placed into thebeverage preparation machine 20, the engagement member 21 will belowered onto the capsule 10 by means of a dedicated closing force F.

The engagement member 21 comprises a sealing profile presenting severalsealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b and 21 c. The sealing surfaces are locatedon an inner part of the engagement member 21, on a portion of theengagement member 21 that comes into contact with the capsule 10. Thesealing surfaces, for example, may be in the form of an annular lowersurface with rounded inner and outer circumferential edges, a flatsurface that in use is parallel to the sidewalls of the capsule. Thesealing surface 21 a facing the peripheral portion of the capsulecomprises a radial thickness which preferably lies between 0.1 and 0.6mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

As shown on FIG. 1a , the capsule 10 further comprises a flange-like rim2, which is preferably arranged at the open end 1 c of the capsule 10.The flange-like rim 2 extends radially outwardly from lateral sidewallsof the cup-shaped base body 1. The flange-like rim 2 is preferablyarranged transversally to a rotational axis Y of the capsule 10 andpresents a curled outer edge 2 c at its extremity opposite the base body1. In the shown embodiment, the capsule is preferably made of aluminum.

In terms of dimension, the base body 1 has a diameter comprised between8 and 30 mm, a height of about 24 to 30 mm, the thickness of the basebody sidewalls is between 0.08 and 0.12 mm.

The flange-like rim 2 extending from the body base 1 has a length Lmeasured from the body base sidewalls 1 b to the curled out edge 2 cthat is between 2 and 4 mm.

At the open end 1 c (shown in FIG. 1c ) of the capsule base body 1, aclosing membrane 9 may be arranged. The closing membrane 9 is preferablyconnected to the flange-like rim 2, as presented in figure 1c and inFIG. 2. The closing membrane 9 is preferably connected to at least onelower annular surface 2 b of the flange-like rim 2, which surface 2 b isdirected away from the capsule base body 1.

Alternatively, the closing membrane 9 may be connected to the base body1 or to both the base body 1 and the flange-like rim 2.

The closing membrane 9 is preferably an aluminum foil sealed to theflange-like rim 2.

The cup-shaped base body 1 preferably encloses beverage ingredientssuitably for preparing a liquid comestible upon interaction with liquidinjected into the capsule 10. The ingredients are preferably enclosed bythe cup-shaped base body 1 and the closing membrane 9. The beverageingredients may be roasted ground coffee or other kinds of ingredientsas previously described.

The flange-like rim 2 comprises an integrally formed sealing member 3which is arranged at an upper annular surface 2 a of the flange-likerim. The annular surface 2 a is arranged opposite to the surface 2 b towhich the closing membrane 9 is preferably connected. The annularsurface 2 a is thus facing away from the open end 1 c of the capsule.

The sealing member 3 is positioned between the capsule body base 1 andthe flange-like rim 2. It comprises a dedicated surface 4 located at thejunction between the lateral sidewalls 1 b of the body base 1 and theflange-like rim 2.

Said dedicated surface 4 extends over a length D that is larger than theinner part (where the sealing surfaces are located) of the engagementmember 21.

More precisely, the dedicated surface 4 extends over a length D(measured from the sidewalls 1 b) comprised in the range from 0.5 to 4mm.

in the present embodiment, length D is about 2.5 mm.

The dedicated surface 4 comprise a step 4 a extending from the lateralsidewalls 1 b over the flange-like rim 2, the step 4 a beingsubstantially parallel to the flange-like rim direction. The step 4 a isintegrally formed with the flange-like rim 2 and the base body 1. Thismeans that it is formed of same material as the flange-like rim and asthe body base and is formed from the flange-like rim such as (and arenot add-on parts) to extend from the surface 2 a.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 b, the step 4 a extends continuously andannularly around the lateral sidewalls 1 b and is arranged to engagewith a sealing surface 21 a of a capsule engagement member 21 of thebeverage preparation machine 20. This is visible in FIG. 2 showing thecapsule 10 interacting with the engagement member of the beveragemachine 20.

In order to have an efficient engagement, the length d of the step 4 a(extending from the lateral sidewalls 1 b) is preferably chosen suchthat it suitably and fully interacts in sealing engagement with thededicated sealing surface 21 a of the engagement member 21.

The length d of step 4 a, is preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm, morepreferably between 1 and 2.5 mm. The height H of step 4 a preferablylies between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably between 1.5 to 2.5 mm.

The step 4 a then extends over a length d that is larger than the innerpart (where the sealing surfaces are located) of the engagement member21 and the remaining portion of the flange-like rim 2 is then preferablybetween 0.5 to 1 mm.

The system to which the capsule and the beverage preparation machine areintegrated in, is operated as follows for the preparation of a cup of abeverage, for example, a coffee. The capsule 10 is placed in thebeverage preparation machine and the capsule engaging member 21 isbrought into contact with the capsule 10 when the beverage preparationmachine is closed. The capsule is pierced on its closed end 1 a bypiercing means (not represented) for creating the entrance of a fluid(hot or cold) under pressure into the capsule 10. The water wets thecoffee stored inside the capsule and extracts the desired substance toform the coffee beverage.

During the supply of the water under pressure to the capsule, the risein pressure causes the closing membrane 9 to rupture (through pressingof the closing membrane 9 on some cover piercing means, for example) andthe coffee beverage is delivered by drainage of the coffee beverage fromthe capsule to a cup.

Reference in now made to FIGS. 3 and 4 presenting partial enlargedsectional side views of the embodiment of the sealing member of FIGS. 1ato 2 and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine beforeand during engagement with each other.

Particularly, when the engagement member 21 is lowered from the positionshown in FIG. 3 onto the sealing member 3 by closing force F, theannular sealing surface 21 a engages with step 4 a.

As a results of the force applied on the sealing member 3 in the overlapregion between the engagement member 21 and the sealing member 3, thestep 4 a of the sealing member 3 undergoes a plastically deformationduring said engagement. Indeed, step 4 a extends over a length d that islarger than the inner part of the engagement member 21 where the sealingsurfaces are located.

In the present case, the length d of step 4 a is larger than the radialextension of sealing surface 21 a.

As explained, the plastic deformation is due to the force that isapplied:

-   -   by the clamping system when the coffee machine is closed through        the engagement member 21; and    -   during the extraction process by the water pressure through the        engagement member 21 on the capsule.

The step 4 a then closely conforms with the sealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b,21 c of the engagement member 21 so that during the extraction process,the surface of the flange-like rim 2 conforms with the shape of thesealing profile (with sealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b and 21 c) on theoverlap portion.

FIG. 4 shows this close conformation between the sealing surfaces 21 a,21 b, 21 c and the flange-like rim 2 occurred during use (and visibleafter use), where the step 4 a and the flange-like rim 2 are deformedleading to a structure conforming the grooves of the sealing member. Theresulting structure presents at least three new contiguous (or adjacent)surfaces S1, S2, S3 formed during the plastic deformation, said surfacesfollowing the shape of the sealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b, 21 c of thecapsule engagement member 21.

Hence, the new shape of the flange-like rim 2 presents at least threenew surfaces S1, S2; S3 having each a different orientation.

As can be seen on FIG. 4, the first surface S1 of the flange-like rimdeformed capsule is substantially parallel to the base body sidewall 1 band to sealing surface 21 b.

The second surface S2 of the flange-like rim deformed capsule issubstantially parallel to flange-like rim 2 and to sealing surface 21 a.

The third surface S3 of the flange-like rim deformed capsule forms anangle β with the base body sidewall 1 b, comprised between 1 and 50°. Inthe present case, surface S3 is substantially parallel to sealingsurface 21 c of the engagement member 21 and angle β is about 22°.

These three surfaces S1, S2 and S3, presenting each a differentorientation, allow to perfectly conform with the sealing profile of thecapsule engagement member 21, thus generating axial and radial forcesaround the engagement member and producing an effective fluid tightnessbetween the capsule 10 and the beverage preparation machine 20.

Because of the deformed flange-like rim conforming with the shapecorresponding to the sealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b, 21 c the sealingbetween the capsule flange-like rim 2 and the engagement member isincreased.

In the proposed embodiment, the cup-shaped base body 1, the flange-likerim 2 and the sealing member 3 are integrally formed, i.e. by one singlepiece made from the same material. Accordingly, the cup-shaped base body1, the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing member 3 can be manufacturedfrom the same material by a conventional forming process. In particular,the base body 1, the flange-like rim 2 and the integrally formed sealingmember 3 can be formed in a deep-drawing process. The deep drawingprocess may require more than one deep drawing step to properly formfrom a flat piece of material, preferably a metal sheet, the body of thecapsule and the sealing member.

The base body 1, the flange-like rim 2 and the sealing member 3 areformed of one piece made of metal, preferably of aluminum, mostpreferably an aluminum alloy.

FIG. 5a to FIG. 8 relate to a second embodiment of a capsule 10according to the invention.

In the figures where FIG. 5a presents a perspective side view of a firstembodiment of a capsule, FIG. 5b a top view of said capsule, FIG. 5c across sectional side view of said capsule and FIG. 6 a sectional sideview of said capsule, a capsule 10 is shown.

As indicated previously, similar symbols and references typicallyidentify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise and onlyadditional elements will be described in detail, the previouslydescribed elements applying also on this second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the dedicated surface 4 of the sealing member3 comprises two steps:

-   -   a first step 4 a adjacent the remaining flange-like rim 2        portion and parallel to the flange-like rim. Said first step has        a length d in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm; and    -   a second step 4 b located between the first step 4 a and the        sidewalls 1 b of the base body 1. The second step 4 b is shorter        than the first step 4 a. It forms an angle α with the        longitudinal axis of the capsule. Angle α is in the range of 10        to 80°. The second step 4 b has a height h comprised between 0.2        and 2 mm.

Reference in now made to FIGS. 7 and 8 presenting partial enlargedsectional side views of the embodiment of the sealing member of FIGS. 5ato 6 and an engagement member of a beverage preparation machine beforeand during engagement with each other.

Particularly, when the engagement member 21 is lowered from the positionshown in FIG. 7 onto the sealing member 3 by closing force F, theannular sealing profile of the engagement member 21 first engages withstep 4 b. In the present case, the edge between sealing surfaces 21 aand 21 b engages with step 4 b. In this overlap region between sealingsurface 21 a, 21 b and step 4 b, step 4 b initiates to undergo a plasticdeformation.

While going in further engagement, the sealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b, 21 cof the sealing profile further engage with the sealing member and entersin engagement with the first step 4 a.

In turn, first step 4 a undergoes a plastically deformation during saidengagement. The two steps 4 b, 4 a, one after the other closely conformwith at least one of the sealing surfaces 21 a, 21 b, 21 c of theengagement member 21.

At the end of the closure of the machine and of the extraction process,when the engagement member and the dedicated surface are fully engaged,the plastic deformation is finished and the surface of the flange-likerim 2 conforms with the shape of the sealing profile (sealing surfaces21 a, 21 b, 21 c) of the engagement member on the overlap portion.

FIG. 8 shows this close conformation between the sealing surface 21 a,21 b, 21 c and the flange-like rim 2 after use of the capsule. The steps4 a and 4 b have been deformed leading to a structure of the flange-likerim 2 conforming the grooves of the sealing surface 21. The resultingstructure presents at least three new contiguous (or adjacent) surfacesS1, S2, S3 coming from the deformation, said surfaces following theshape of the sealing profile of the capsule engagement member 21.

Hence, the new shape of the flange-like rim 2 presents at least threenew surfaces S1, S2; S3 having each a different orientation.

Similarly as in the first embodiment:

-   -   first surface S1 of the flange-like rim in its second state is        substantially parallel to the surface (21 b) of the capsule        engaging member (21).    -   second surface S2 of the flange-like rim in its second state is        substantially parallel to flange-like rim 2 and to sealing        surface 21 a.    -   third surface S3 of the flange-like rim in its second state        forms an angle β with the base body sidewall 1 b, comprised        between 1 and 50°. In the present case, surface S3 is        substantially parallel to sealing surface 21 c of the engagement        member 21 and angle β is about 22°.

The dedicated surface 4 of this second embodiment, with steps 4 a and 4b, is larger than the dedicated surface 4 of the first embodiment. Thisleads to having a sealing surface 21 a larger thus providing an improvedfluid tightness between the engagement member and the capsule.

In this second embodiment, step 4 b also contributes to the centeringbetween the capsule and the engagement member. Indeed, step 4 b isextending form the sidewalls 1 b of the body base and also presents acertain angle (angle α with longitudinal axis) allowing a self-centeringeffect.

Hence, similarly as in the first embodiment, as the engagement member 21is moved towards the flange-like rim 2, during closing (mechanical forceapplies) and/or extraction (pressure force applies), the sealingsurfaces 21 a, 21 b, 21 c of the sealing profile deform the dedicatedsurface (first and second steps) and the flange-like rim 2 conforms tothe sealing profile of the engagement member 21.

The conformation has the effect to increase the contact surface areabetween the engagement member 21 and the capsule flange-like rim 2 andtherefore to increase the fluid tightness between the capsule 10 and thebeverage machine 20.

The proposed embodiments show a capsule engagement member 21 with agiven geometry however other geometries of the capsule engagement membermay be envisaged.

Thanks to the proposed structure comprising at least one step, theproposed capsule has the specificity to adapt to the capsule engagementmember.

In any case, during the extraction process, the sealing member 3 whichcomprises at least one step 4 a, 4 b conforms with the shape of thesealing profile of the capsule engagement member 21 over at least threesurfaces having different orientation thereby leading to an increasesealing between the capsule and the beverage machine.

1. A capsule designed for preparing a beverage upon injection of liquidinto the capsule by a beverage preparation machine, the capsule having alongitudinal axis and comprising a cup-shaped base body being providedwith a closed end and lateral sidewalls for holding beverage preparationingredients and a flange-like rim arranged at an open end of the basebody and radially ending with a curled outer edge, in which: the capsuleis in a first state before being used in the beverage preparationmachine, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member forproviding a fluid sealing engagement with a sealing profile of a capsuleengagement member of the beverage preparation machine, the sealingprofile having at least one sealing surface, the base-body, theflange-like rim and the sealing member are made integrally from metallicmaterial such as aluminum as a one piece element, and the sealing membercomprises at least one dedicated surface located at the junction betweenthe sidewalls of the base body and the flange-like rim, the dedicatedsurface being in the form of at least one step extending over theflange-like rim, and in which the capsule is in a second state afterbeing used in the beverage preparation machine; and in the second state,after engagement between the sealing profile of the capsule engagementmember and the at least one step of the dedicated surface, the at leastone step is plastically deformed and the capsule comprises, at thelocation of the at least one step, a flange-like rim having a profilecorresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces, theprofile presenting at least three contiguous surfaces having each adifferent orientation.
 2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the dedicatedsurface extends over a length that is larger than the sealing profile ofthe engagement member.
 3. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the dedicatedsurface extends over a length of between 0.5 and 4 mm.
 4. The capsule ofclaim 1, wherein the dedicated surface comprises at least a first and asecond step.
 5. The capsule of claim 4, wherein the first step issubstantially parallel to the flange-like rim.
 6. The capsule of claim4, wherein the first step has a height of between 1 and 3 mm and alength of between 0.5 and 3 mm.
 7. The capsule of claim 4, wherein thesecond step forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the capsule ofbetween 10 and 80°.
 8. The capsule of claim 4, wherein the second stephas a height of between 0.2 and 2 mm.
 9. The capsule of claim 1,wherein, after engagement with at least one the sealing surfaces of thecapsule engagement member, one of the surfaces of the flange-like rim inits second state is substantially parallel to one of the sealingsurfaces of the capsule engaging member.
 10. The capsule of claim 1,wherein, after engagement with the at least one of the sealing surfacesof the capsule engagement member, one of the surfaces of the flange-likerim in its second state is substantially parallel to flange-like rim.11. The capsule of claim 1, wherein, after engagement with at least oneof the sealing surfaces of the capsule engagement member, one of thesurfaces of the flange-like rim in its second state forms an angle withthe base body sidewall of between 1 and 50°.
 12. The capsule of claim 1,wherein the capsule body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member areproduced by deep drawing an initially flat metal sheet.
 13. The capsuleof claim 1, wherein the capsule is made from aluminum.
 14. The capsuleof claim 1, wherein the capsule further comprises a closing membraneconnected to the base body and/or the flange-like rim of the capsule.15. The capsule according to claim 14, wherein the closing membrane isconnected to a surface of the flange-like rim opposite to a surface atwhich the sealing member is arranged.
 16. The capsule according to claim14, wherein the closing membrane is an aluminum foil sealed to theflange-like rim on the surface opposite to the surface.
 17. A systemcomprising a capsule designed for preparing a beverage upon injection ofliquid into the capsule by a beverage preparation machine, the capsulehaving a longitudinal axis and comprising a cup-shaped base body beingprovided with a closed end and lateral sidewalls for holding beveragepreparation ingredients and a flange-like rim arranged at an open end ofthe base body and radially ending with a curled outer edge, in which thecapsule is in a first state before being used in the beveragepreparation machine, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealingmember for providing a fluid sealing engagement with a sealing profileof a capsule engagement member of the beverage preparation machine, thesealing profile having at least one sealing surface, the base-body, theflange-like rim and the sealing member are made integrally from metallicmaterial such as aluminum as a one piece element, and the sealing membercomprises at least one dedicated surface located at the junction betweenthe sidewalls of the base body and the flange-like rim, the dedicatedsurface being in the form of at least one step extending over theflange-like rim, and in which the capsule is in a second state afterbeing used in the beverage preparation machine; and in the second state,after engagement between the sealing profile of the capsule engagementmember and the at least one step of the dedicated surface, the at leastone step is plastically deformed and the capsule comprises, at thelocation of the at least one step, a flange-like rim having a profilecorresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealing surfaces, theprofile presenting at least three contiguous surfaces having each adifferent orientation and a beverage preparation machine designed toprovide heated and/or pressurized liquid into the capsule for preparinga beverage upon interaction of the liquid with ingredients held withinthe capsule.
 18. A cup-shaped base body of a capsule for holdingbeverage preparation ingredients with a flange-like rim and a sealingmember comprising a dedicated surface with at least one step at thejunction between the cup-shaped base body and the flange-like rim andextending over the flange-like rim, the at least one step beingconformed for engaging with at least one of the sealing surfaces of acapsule engagement member of beverage preparation machine, wherein thebase-body, the flange-like rim and the sealing member are madeintegrally from metallic material, wherein the flange-like rim is afirst state before being used in a beverage preparation machine; andwherein the flange-like rim is in a second state after being used in thebeverage preparation machine in which, at the location of the at leastone step, the flange-like rim is plastically deformed and presents aprofile corresponding to the shape of at least one of the sealingsurfaces, the profile comprising at least three contiguous surfaceshaving each a different orientation and generating axial and radialforces around the engagement member producing an effective tightnessbetween the flange-like rim and the sealing surface of the engagementmember.